Some Staten Islanders' exercise plans not working out

Irving Silverstein/AdvancePatrons of Avalon Fitness on Castleton Avenue get the bad news today.

They were resolute.

With the turn of the calendar, they'd commit themselves anew to a hard regimen of buffing and toning.

Not even the low-20s chill could keep them from the gym.

But Alyssa Scala of Silver Lake and the others never got past the front door of Avalon Fitness on Castleton Avenue in West Brighton today: The pecs-and-abs emporium was shuttered.

Ms. Scala read aloud the posted sign: "It is with deep regret that we are forced to close our doors. This is a decision that is not made easily. Our landlord has informed us that we are in non-compliance with building department and fire regulations. We have always made every effort to comply with all DOB and FDNY codes. The safety of all our members while using this facility has always been paramount ..."

It's a double bust for the Nike Shox-shod exercise set.

"I was coming today to sign up because Synergy [in Port Richmond] just closed down too," said Ms. Scala. "I spoke to a guy just a few days ago and was told Avalon was doing well, everything was good, and that the establishment had been there 10 years."

At least Synergy patrons had some advance notice.

Modesto Reyes of Port Richmond was in his first full week at Avalon Fitness. He wants his money back, the $200 he paid for a two-person, three-month membership.

"I was not expecting this" he said. "We should have been informed."

A spokesman for Synergy, which maintains a facility on Richmond Hill Road in New Springville, expressed surprise at Avalon's abrupt closing.

He said Synergy was forced to close its Port Richmond location because there wasn't enough parking per zoning regulations.

Patrons who transferred to New Springville had the choice of a full refund or having their plan time doubled, he said.

With two fitness centers closing less than a mile apart, patrons are faced with having to map out a new regime that won't cost them extra gas.

"It was a setback for me," said Ms. Scala. "I can't make the commute to Synergy on Richmond Hill [Road]."

She has decided to try Dolphin Fitness on Victory Boulevard in Tompkinsville, hoping that the third time's the charm.

"I told a worker at Dolphin to be careful before I purchased a membership, maybe I'm bad luck and that's why all the gyms are closing," Ms. Scala noted wryly.